The Irish love a good story. They are a lyric, storytelling people. Their storytelling tradition is full of the improbable, impossible and likely not quite so. So although I appreciate those whose commitment to veracity in historical matters leads them to be St. Paddy's Day debunkers each year, I feel they miss the point of the story of Padraig and the Snakes: it's a good story. What makes it even better is that in true Irish fashion, the story continues and evolves. The snakes survived.I … [Read more...]

There were quite a few rituals at PantheaCon and unfortunately I couldn't make them all. I was determined that the rituals I did attend wouldn't be Wiccan so I could experience the rites of other Pagan religions. Here are my thoughts on the three rituals I was able to participate in over this hectic weekend.A Ritual for Our Neopagan Ancestors facilitated by the ADFAs so many of our elders have recently passed I really wanted to participate in in this ritual. The opening of the gates and call … [Read more...]

by Erynn Rowan LaurieBill of RightsAmendment ICongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.Chaplains Under Fire (http://chaplainsunderfire.com/) is a documentary by Lee Lawrence and Terry Nickelson exploring the nature of the chaplaincy in the US military. Its … [Read more...]